As the summer season comes to an end, many people are returning from their vacations and preparing for the new school year. However, the Covid-19 pandemic is not over yet, and new variants of the virus are posing new challenges for public health authorities and individuals alike. Here are some of the latest developments on the Covid-19 situation in the US and around the world.
EG.5 Becomes the Most Prevalent Variant in the US
EG.5, a descendant of the omicron variant that emerged in late 2021, has become the most common strain of Covid-19 in the US, according to estimates by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). It accounts for about 17% of new cases in the country, compared with 16% for the next most common lineage, XBB.1.16.
EG.5 has one extra mutation on its spike protein, which helps the virus attach to human cells and cause infection. This mutation may make it better at evading the immune system’s defenses, especially among people who have been vaccinated or previously infected. However, there is no evidence that EG.5 causes more severe disease or spreads more easily than other variants.
Pfizer and Moderna have both said that their updated Covid-19 vaccines, which target the XBB.1.5 variant, also protect against EG.5 in early studies. The CDC recommends that people who are eligible for a booster shot should get one as soon as possible to enhance their immunity against new variants.
BA.2.86 Emerges as a New Variant of Concern
Another variant that has caught the attention of scientists and health officials is BA.2.86, which was first detected in mid-August 2021. So far, it has been found in four countries: the US, Denmark, Israel, and the UK.
BA.2.86 is a descendant of the BA.2 variant that first emerged in early 2022, but it has more than 30 mutations on its spike protein, which could make it more resistant to vaccines and natural immunity. It also has some similarities with other variants of concern, such as alpha, beta, gamma, and delta.
The World Health Organization (WHO) and the CDC are closely monitoring BA.2.86 and its potential impact on global public health. They have not yet classified it as a variant of concern or interest, but they are conducting further studies to determine its characteristics and behavior.
How to Stay Safe Amid Rising Covid-19 Cases
As Covid-19 cases continue to rise in many parts of the world, experts advise people to take precautions to protect themselves and others from infection. Some of the recommended measures include:
- Wearing a mask that fits well and covers your nose and mouth when you are in public or around people who are not from your household.
- Avoiding crowded and poorly ventilated places where the virus can spread more easily.
- Getting vaccinated if you have not done so already, and getting a booster shot if you are eligible.
- Washing your hands frequently with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Staying home if you feel sick or have symptoms of Covid-19, and seeking medical attention if needed.
- Following local guidelines and regulations regarding travel, quarantine, testing, and social distancing.
By following these steps, you can help reduce the risk of getting infected or transmitting the virus to others. You can also help slow down the emergence and spread of new variants by limiting the opportunities for the virus to mutate.